Offshore staff
ZUG, Switzerland – Estonia’s government has turned down a request by the Nord Stream consortium to conduct a survey in Estonian exclusive economic zone (EEZ) waters.
This was one of the areas proposed forfuture extensions to the Nord Stream trunkline system taking gas from Russian fields through the Baltic Sea to Germany.
Nord Stream AG submitted its request at the end of August, as part of a broader feasibility study backed by the company’s shareholders. The aim of the survey was to further research the gas route options in various parts of the Baltic Sea, and use the results to determine where best to apply for a construction permit.
The company says is yet to review the legal reasons for the refusal, but this will only be possible after receiving an official notification from the Estonian government.
The partners now plan to focus on further developing the Finnish route alternative in the Gulf of Finland.
However, certain issues affecting Estonia will still have to be addressed, including the trans-boundary environmental impacts, interference with local fishing activity, and ensuring the necessary flow of information flow for maritime navigation and safety.
12/07/2012
